Traditional instrument clusters and vehicle system controls offer little flexibility or potential for customization of the operator interface once the vehicle is past the design stage. Modification of typical analog interfaces is costly and does not lend itself easily to the successful integration of new technologies once the vehicle is in service. Driver choices are limited to a relatively small set of pre-determined options, with little variation in method of display, complexity of information or even color schemes. New mechanisms for presenting information, such as flat panel displays, allow for previously unattainable flexibility in presenting parameters and conditions to vehicle occupants. Combined with appropriate software support, these devices can be easily integrated with diverse command and control systems, allowing additional flexibility in not only how information is displayed, but also how systems are controlled. The potential complexity of devices and dynamic regulatory environment also present opportunities for software to minimize the cognitive load imposed on the operator.
Abstract